SAN ANTONIO – LaMarcus Aldridge watched as DeMar DeRozan shook off Malcolm Brogdon and made his way to the rim, where two extra Milwaukee Bucks defenders awaited.

DeRozan knew instantly how he would react and made the proper read, as he’s done for the Spurs all season long.

“If I feel three guys around me,” DeRozan said, “somebody is going to be open.”

As it turns out, that somebody was Aldridge, who backed up behind the 3-point line in the left corner as DeRozan made his way to the basket. He spotted Aldridge unattended, passed it and was rewarded with one of his six assists in the game after Aldridge made the 3-pointer.

The shot gave the Spurs a three-point lead in the third quarter (67-64), which they eventually converted into a 121-114 win over a Bucks squad that is in position for the top seed in the East.

DeRozan finished the game with 28 points on 10-of-20 shooting, while Aldridge recorded 29 points and 15 rebounds for the...